'15/16 Week 32

This week was one of the saddest weeks we have had. A good friend of our family passed on. I shortened our school days on couple of days so we could go to see the family, pass our condolences, and attend the funeral. Andrew and Saara have been to a few weddings, but this was the first time they were at a funeral. I believe, they are now old enough to comprehend the sadness, the solemnity and reverence of the occasion, and the importance of supporting and comforting those who are mourning.

Science. Andrew mapping a magnetic field.

Strong winds had broken a branch with a bird's nest. Two chicks were dead but one survived. We made a nest for the baby bird. The next day, we found out the funny looking chick was a woodpecker baby. The parents found him and were feeding him.

Saara discovering that electricity can not only make light, but also sound.

Dewberry time has arrived.

Recent rains kept us away from the ball park, but we are back now.

'15/16 Week 31

What a busy week it was! We had lots of baseball/softball practices and games. Saara's performance has improved mightily this season, and she thinks about moving up to the next level next year. I have not been able to go to any of Andrew's games yet. Their team has been winning every game so far. So, they must be doing something right.
Academically, the week was busy, too. Andrew finished his introduction to WW II, and we will start reading about the post-war world. Saara has been learning about the Industrial Revolution and the changes it brought along in the world. Both of them started to memorize the names and locations of the states. 

Science. Saara learning about series circuits.

and paralllel circuits.

Saara making her own owl with parallel circuit eyes, and Andrew answering his science questions.

LA. Describing a book character.

'15/16 Week 30

All our evenings are spent at the ballpark. It has been incredibly busy, but we are loving it. The school gets done at a normal speed. We have just a handful of weeks left, and we are already feeling that the end of the year is not far. Saara finished her Phonics workbook we have been working on since August. Andrew took another math test and did very well. My decision to slow things down in math was a good one. Andrew is doing much better; he more focused and understands better. So thankful that I can set my own pace when teaching. 

Science. Saara learning about flashing lights.

We built a small model of a lighthouse with working (flashing) light.

We spent one whole morning examining flowers, learning the different parts and their functions.

Andrew playing the bee who pollinates the flower.

We looked at the powdery pollen under the microscope.

We also looked at some algae from the pond. It had a couple of living things squirming around.

LA. Done with this book.

The Opening Day. Saara played her first game.

WW II Living History Weekend

Andrew is about to learn about the D-Day in our introduction to the American history. Being able to watch a re-enactment of a WW II battle could not come at a better time. The Museum of the American G.I. held its 17th Living History Weekend, and we were able to walk around among WW II military camp; see, hear, and smell the tanks, a helicopter, various weapons, and watch the biggest re-enactment of WW II in the South. It was amazing! Andrew's favorite part was the re-enactment, of course, Saara loved the Junior G. I. obstacle course. 

We got to ride on a school bus to the event.

Both kids wanted to see the tanks first.

Beside tanks, we also saw many different military vehicles.

The kitchen.

A water sack, a bicycle, and rifle stack.

Children loved the obstacle course.

We spotted a WW I helmet.

The kids and I are reading a book about occupied Holland. A Nazi motorcycle is mentioned there more than once.

Inside the museum of the American G.I.

A captured Nazi flag.

A story of a U.S. Marine who survived Pearl Harbor.

We found Dad's unit.

A member of the 101st Airborne - THE band of brothers.

A corner of the grenades' display.

Watching the weapons' demonstration.

The kids were allowed to pick up cartridges after the demonstration.

The Axis powers are getting ready for the re-enactment.

Safety control.

Before the battle.

Before the re-enactment the audience was treated to a parade of vehicles.

A tank on fire!